Fedor Emelianenko defeats Tim Johnson in Bellator 269 with a dramatic walk-off knockout

Fedor Emelianenko, dubbed "The Last Emperor," dominated Bellator 269 with a walk-off knockout of Tim Johnson in the main event. The renowned Russian, who is 45 years old, is nearing the conclusion of his career, but his performance on Saturday proved that he still has enough of fight left in him. After throwing a big right hand that snapped Johnson's head around and sent the former Bellator interim title challenger down to the canvas in a heap, Emelinanko secured his 40th professional victory.

Emelianenko didn't have to unleash another blow because he simply walked away as the referee rushed in to call a halt to the fight at 1:46 in the first round.

“It’s a huge event for us,” Emelianenko said in celebration with the Moscow crowd cheering him. “It’s been a while since I last fought in Russia.”

The heavyweights exchanged blows quickly, with Emelianenko showing his quick hands and Johnson chewing down on his mouthpiece and flinging strikes back at him.

Early on, Johnson landed a couple of straight punches, but Emelianenko simply walked through them, looking to set up his characteristic combos, in which he attacks an opponent with a barrage of bullets.

Emelianenko stepped back and then forward with his combo that began with a left and culminated with a right to terminate the bout after drawing Johnson into an exchange. Johnson collapsed to the canvas as soon as the punch landed on his chin, and Emelianenko raised his hand in triumph.

Emelianenko was stoic but yet smiling as he drank up the moment and paid tribute to many of his fight team colleagues who had had success at Bellator 269.

“Thank god that everyone managed to win tonight,” Emelianenko said. “We already have two champions and we’re going to prepare another one.”

With one fight remaining on his contract, Emelianenko has stated that he intends to compete again after Bellator 269, but if he decides to put up his gloves after Saturday, he will end his legendary career with a highlight-reel knockout.